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Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara was the perfect book companion for my recent off grid Unyoked weekend. Have you read it? Credit goes to Jade Cameron for recommending this book when she spoke at RetailFest. I knew I had to read it - I love anything hospitality related and Jade and the team at LSKD are exemplary in the Australian business world for next level community engagement (something they've been doing long before this book was written). And when I met the waterdrop® team in 2022 their approach to community and culture was also what immediately attracted me to the brand. There are so many incredible anecdotes in this book that are just so well articulated - plus the success of these restaurants will have you itching to go to New York to visit. My key callouts are concepts that pertains to all businesses: "The Rule of 95/5 ~ manage 95% of your business down the penny; spend the last 5 per cent "foolishly" - find something that allows you to do something "unreasonable" to create something incredible "Be intentional with every act of service" - intentionality is the game changer that makes you stand out against every other Great service and experience does not just extend to your customer but to your team. Your entire culture needs to deliver on the values you espouse and this is how the ecosystem of your company goes to the next level.   It's not about money or big grand gestures, "luxury means just giving more: hospitality means being more thoughtful".   It's about being able to surprise or create thoughtful moments, about creating a community that you want to be a part of and be valued in. It's about how you make them feel. What should be next on my Reading List? What book has inspired you of late? I'm ready for new recommendations.

Ever wondered what simple changes you could implement in your hospitality-driven business to ensure your venue is a more welcoming space for everyone? Today, more than ever, consumer values play a pivotal role in shaping choices. So, take a look at our latest blog for actionable tips on fostering inclusivity in your day-to-day operations. #inclusiveculture #accessibledesign #valuesmatter https://lnkd.in/dSZt8cAq

While you enjoy any Summer downtime we hope you are able to take at this time of year, you might also take a moment to contemplate the power and value of incorporating 'escape-like downtime' into your business community building... We've come up with 5 good reasons why regularly gathering, hospitable hospitality spaces can be so great for business... 1. They build stronger relationships. Sharing meals in relaxed communal environments helps foster deeper connections, build trust, rapport and can make business relationships more personal and durable. 2. They enhance stakeholder experience. Demonstrating and delivering hospitality moments may significantly enhance stakeholder experience of your business. Pleasant dining environments can leave a lasting positive impression, improve satisfaction levels and even increase the likelihood of more future business. 3. They facilitate open communication. Shared dining spaces encourage open and candid conversations, making it easier to express needs and concerns. This often leads to more transparent and productive conversations that may align well around interests, goals and expectations. 4. They promote collaboration. Bringing together various people in a communal dining space can create great, often effortless opportunities for collaboration. Partners and clients can mix with other businesses, potentially leading to new friendships, partnerships, joint ventures and mutually beneficial collaborative initiatives. 5. They can showcase company culture, values and expertise. Hosting connecting, collaborative dining spaces enables a company culture and area of interest or expertise to be experienced first hand. This can demonstrate and re-enforce a company's commitment to collaboration, inclusivity and innovative practices, which can strengthen a company's brand and appeal. Book your next peer space today! September represents the start of the short peer space dining season, from September to November. There's plenty of time still to get your next dining space season up and running by then. And we've now made getting started with a one-time or season of dining spaces, tailored to your business, easier than ever! Reach out when you're rested and ready to learn more - https://lnkd.in/dYmZ5-mF Check out our event series and spaces 'for Your company' information - https://lnkd.in/dWhMHu9n Or come and meet us at our next Dugout Dinner on September 18th, 'The art of listening'. Express interest here - https://lnkd.in/dHWf2udt #speakerspaces #dinnerspaces #peerpower #londonevents #internationalbusiness #thinkingbigger #artoflistening

In today's competitive hospitality industry, being aware of costs is essential. Operational departments often operate on tight budgets despite that resources are taken for granted, ignoring the actual expenses tied to each item.A well educated team can greatly influence the department's performance. Providing clear information about costs fosters transparency within the team, helps them to track expenses, identify areas for savings, and adhere to budget constraints without compromising quality and guest experience. We have designed an informative board for our team that highlights the costs of commonly used guest amenities. This visual display is used to educate and encourage more mindful use of resources. Whether it’s electricity, water, or toiletries, each item has a tangible impact on our operational budget and environmental footprint. When staff are trained and made understand how their actions affect costing ,they are more likely to adapt the practices of department that support the financial target. Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the items on the board mysteriously make their way back to the guest rooms.Our team can’t help but make sure they’re right where they belong. #Sustainability #Housekeeping #CostAwareness #OperationsManagement

How does hospitality fit into the workplace? Oxford Dictionary defines hospitality as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests.” Hospitality doesn’t always have to involve food, but food is one of the things that brings people together more than anything else. Ever brought donuts or bagels to the office for people to enjoy? It’s also a great way to get people talking. Offices can be a tough place to get beyond the surface with people, but it has to start somewhere. Donuts are a great door opener. #liveoutward Will you?

👨🌾 Could a community solve the hospitality labor shortage problem? It may sound far-fetched, but food co-op – a concept that has redefined local and community-driven consumption could - be an inspiration for the industry. 🥕 Food co-ops thrive on a simple premise: members pay a fee to join and, in exchange for a few work hours monthly, gain access to locally sourced, organic products at discounted prices. But co-ops offer more than just affordable goods; they foster a strong sense of community and shared responsibility. Members actively participate, empowering the co-op to reduce costs while cultivating a sense of ownership and belonging. 🔮 Now, envision if hotels adopted a similar program, offering guests discounted stays in exchange for working a couple of shifts alongside staff. Not only would this alleviate labor shortages, but it could provide a fresh perspective on the often-underappreciated challenges faced by hospitality workers. Guests would experience the fast-paced, demanding environment first-hand, fostering greater empathy and appreciation for the hard work that ensures their comfort. 🤝 This community-driven approach could revolutionize the industry, offering a sustainable solution to labor shortage while cultivating a deeper connection between guests and staff. By embracing the co-op model's core principles of shared responsibility and mutual benefit, hotels could forge a new path toward a more community-oriented future – one where the line between guest and contributor blurs. 

When I finally got back to hosting dining spaces last year after some strange years unable to :( not only was it a funny feeling to be back :) I also recall thinking, as the first dinner played out: 'ooh, ok we're doing a good thing here!', and by the end of that first night: 'oh my goodness this is dynamic and I have at least 10 follow-up dialogues to progress with various people who were there, as a result of it!' So for me a big part of the pull to and attraction of using dining spaces as a strong business community building tool is 'the buzz of it all', the many things that come up, and new connections, and unexpected interactions that can occur at any given event. There is some kind of magic to it that hasn't changed over more than ten years since my first. But that's not all, so here's The Peer Space 5 good reasons for your business to invest in hospitable hospitality spaces... Feel free to reach out to learn more about how we might be able help you get one up and running from next month. #speakerspaces #dinnerspaces #peerpower #londonevents #internationalbusiness #thinkingbigger #artoflistening

What distinguishes cost-saving from cost-cutting in hospitality and when should we put this into practice? I can explain it in a very simple way for better understanding... Cost-saving - strategies focus on improving efficiency and optimizing resources without compromising the quality of service. These might include investing in energy-efficient appliances, implementing sustainable practices, or training staff to perform their tasks more effectively. Cost-saving measures are generally long-term solutions aimed at reducing expenses while maintaining or enhancing the guest experience. Can you believe that the way you cut your vegetables can affect your overall yield? Cost-cutting - often involves reducing expenses by eliminating certain services, reducing staff, or lowering the quality of materials used. While this can lead to immediate financial relief, it can also negatively impact on guest satisfaction and the overall reputation of the establishment if not done carefully. In the hospitality industry, cost-saving should be a continuous effort, integrated into the business’s operational strategy. It’s about being proactive and innovative in finding ways to use resources more effectively. Cost-cutting, however, should be approached with caution and typically reserved for times of financial strain or economic downturns where immediate action is necessary to keep the business afloat. By focusing on cost-saving measures, businesses can ensure they are not only surviving but thriving, providing excellent service without unnecessary expenditure. It indicates that your company is facing a financial crisis. Without implementing cost-cutting measures, there is a risk of having to shut down the company. Vykunta Vasu Mukku - Hospitality professional 

In the hospitality industry, especially at our inns, we have the unique opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Every day, we hear stories about their families, their history, and the journeys that brought them to our corner of the world. But our role goes beyond just providing a place to stay—we're also their guides, their local experts. Guests rely on us to recommend the best spots to grab coffee, indulge in a lobster roll, or find that perfect slice of pizza. They trust us to share our favorite hiking trails, shopping destinations, and must-see attractions. This influence is powerful. It allows us to shape their experience and contribute to the memories they’ll carry home. But it’s also an incredible opportunity to support and uplift our fellow local businesses. By collaborating with other establishments, we create a network of mutual support—a community of businesses helping businesses. When we recommend a local shop, restaurant, or activity, we’re not just enhancing our guests’ experience; we’re also driving traffic to our neighbors, fostering a sense of community that benefits everyone. Our summers are short, and the bustling season is crucial for all of us. High traffic during these warmer months is what many of us depend on to sustain our businesses throughout the year. By working together and promoting what our region has to offer, we can ensure that both our guests and our local economy thrive. Collaboration isn’t just a strategy; it’s the key to a vibrant, resilient community that continues to grow and succeed year after year.

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”- Maya Angelou Consider a time when a company made you feel truly positive. For me, the Four Seasons has left an indelible mark, earning its place as my top choice for accommodations worldwide. Now, reflect on how you can evoke similar feelings with your own brand. Does it mean distinguishing your brand in a crowded market? Or creating a genuine competitive edge? How can you achieve this? In “Unreasonable Hospitality”, co-owner of Eleven Madison Park Will Guidara argues that true hospitality surpasses meeting expectations; it involves exceeding them in ways that are both surprising and profoundly meaningful. He asserts that by fostering a culture of empathy, generosity, and creativity, businesses can establish authentic connections with customers and enhance the overall experience. These hospitality ideas don’t need to be ground breaking but rather answer the question of how to make our clients feel good… One example he uses that sets their team apart is by asking a simple question: How did you arrive at the restaurant? If they say they drove, they would take care of their metered parking so they can sit, relax and enjoy their dinner without any distractions. At Oromo, we specialize in delivering such experiences for our clients. Do you want your brand to stand out and change the conversation? Contact us to find out how.